Magic Johnson Talks: How I Encouraged My Son To Come Out

Turns out the basketball legend is also a pretty amazing dad! In a new interview, Magic talks proudly about his gay son, EJ, and explains how he supported him through his decision to come out.

Magic Johnson’s son Earvin Johnson III – aka EJ — officially came out as gay on Apr. 1 with his parents proudly behind him. On Apr. 4, Magic talked candidly about supporting his son and encouraging him to be himself.

Magic Johnson To EJ: ‘I’m Gonna Love You Regardless’

Magic admits that he and his wife, “Cookie,” knew years before the public that EJ was gay in an interview with TMZ, and that as parents, they wanted to address it as soon as possible so they could better communicate with their son. “I told him, ‘Look, I’m gonna love you regardless, just let me know — are you or aren’t you?’ And then finally he just said, ‘Yes, I am.'”

By leveling with his son and raising him in a judgement-free environment, EJ was able to be himself and learn to be proud of who he is. “I told him, ‘We are here to support you, man. We’re gonna love you no matter who you are, what you do. We just want you to love yourself.'”

How Magic Johnson Helped His Son Come Out

Magic says that the support took a huge weight off of EJ — knowing his dad was okay with it allowed him to live freely and enriched the relationship between Magic and EJ.

Finally, Magic admits that EJ coming out to TMZ cameras on Apr. 1 was “a good moment for us as a family, and a greater moment for him.” The whole interview, Magic is clearly beaming with pride for his son. It’s truly touching, and a good example of how parents can handle a situation like this.

Click below to watch another part of Magic’s interview, where he talks about anti-gay haters.

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